Win10 PIN and password problems . I'm locked out!


  1. Posts : 6
    Windows 10
       #1

    Win10 PIN and password problems . I'm locked out!


    I screwed up and can’t get in to my Windows account . I was trying to fix another problem that suggested I boot Windows with minimum start up stuff. After I did that, the desktop PC rebooted but instead of asking for my pin number it said “something has happened “ and the PIN option was not available . Options to try again or create a new one loop back to the same “something has happened “ message . It does give me another option, use an outlook.com password ... but I have forgotten that . It gives a “forgot password” option but when I click on that ... it says “please wait” and then comes right back to where I was . No other option to get forgot password options . I used another computer to go to outlook.com and create a new password for the forgotten account’s password but that does not work on the PC I need to boot up. I then tried a system restore from the boot menu and it kicked me to asking for my outlook.com password . I then chose the clean install of windows , leaving files alone . That also asked for my outlook.com password . In fact , every option available under trouble shooting requires my outlook password. I know the PIN but there is no option to enter it. Even though I was able to change my outlook.com password , I assume that just changed my windows Outlook account stuff but not a password that is hard coded on the problem PC. Any options ?? I'm using Windows 10. Can I buy a new Windows 10 disc and install over top of my existing Windows ? There are files on the HD that I would still like to retrieve , but I will not mind installing new Windows to get my Asus desktop working again. The Asus did not come with a rescue disc , just a restore option partition on the HD that I am unable to access at the moment.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 42,737
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #2

    Hi, this sort of scenario is why tenforums members again and again advocate the routine and regular use of disk imaging, so you can readily protect yourself against mistakes, problems, unbootable scenarios, failed disks and even theft of your PC. E,g, Macrium Reflect (free- paid).

    With 2004 it is apparently possible to use a PIN to log in to Safe Mode, but not for System Restore etc from the advanced startup options.

    This may help
    How to Reset Your Forgotten Password in Windows 10

    - but before making changes- create a disk image just in case. (You can do that by booting your PC from e.g. Macrium Reflect's boot disk - and you need a large enough external disk for disk image files).

    . Can I buy a new Windows 10 disc and install over top of my existing Windows ?
    - there's no need to buy one. All builds of Win 10 are freely downloadable as iso files, so you can create your own.

    The MS media creation tool (Google) will let you create a bootable disk of the current major build (2004 presently) directly.
    (Tutorial available on downloading iso files and creating a bootable disk)

    Unfortunately you didn't respond to the forum prompt to specify your build number to save us asking so I don't know your build number.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 6
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thanks for taking the time to reply. I can not access anything in the computer to know the build number. Since I can't access any commands on the computer, I also can not execute the change password like that you provided. I'll develop a boot disk so I can try to gain access and try to run a winver command The computer is an old Asus CM1745
    Andy.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Thanks for taking the time to reply. I can not access anything in the computer to know the build number. Since I can't access any commands on the computer, I also can not execute the change password link that you provided. I'll develop a boot disk so I can try to gain access and try to run a winver command The computer is an old Asus CM1745. Originally it came with Windows 8 and in July 2015 I obtained Microsoft's offer of a free upgrade to Win 10
    Andy.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 1,604
    Win 10 home 20H2 19042.1110
       #4
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 42,737
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #5

    Since I can't access any commands on the computer, I also can not execute the change password like that you provided.
    At which point in that text does that apply? It starts by booting your PC from a Win 10 install disk, not your installed Win 10.

    ========================================================================================

    What happens if you try to boot to Safe Mode?
    I assume you can see the logon screen. At the bottom right there is a power button- click on that and you will see a Restart option.

    SHIFT + left click that, and navigate through the prompts and select Safe Mode.
    Advise what happens.

    I can not access anything in the computer to know the build number.
    Hi, many people are aware of at least the major build they are using without reference (e.g. 1809, 1903, 1909, 2004).

    so I can try to gain access and try to run a winver command
    - that won't work: here's a way:

    If your PC is unbootable, you can still determine your build number (or a close approximation) by booting your PC from a Win 10 install medium or other bootable disk.

    You can determine the build number from e.g. properties of explorer.exe

    E.g. from a live boot disk:
    Win10 PIN and password problems .  I'm locked out!-1.png

    Booting from a Win 10 install disk and navigating to a command prompt you can grab a copy of explorer.exe (e.g.) and examine that on another PC.

    (There doesn't seem a straightforward way of determining the build of an offline system from the command line).

    Caveat: file versions in builds implemented as 1909 was using an enablement package still typically show 1903 build numbers.
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 6
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #6

    I am not able to boot in to safe mode , any attempt requires a PIN or password. I will make a boot disk today and follow the rest of the instructions.
    Thanks
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 42,737
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #7

    Ok, please review the first part of #5. (As you're offered the option of a PIN in Safe Mode, you must be using 2004).
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 6
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #8

    OK, boot disc made via the Windows Creation Tool . I am able to access the C drive using old MD-DOS commands . Progress, thanks . Going back to read the articles suggested to make sure of next step.


    Andy
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 2,539
    Windows 10 Pro 64bit
       #9

    If you’re stuck in safe mode this is good to know:
    Try booting your machine with Windows 10 installation media
    At the Install screen, click on "Repair" on the lower left.
    Then
    Troubleshoot.
    Advanced.
    Command Prompt with Admin.
    Select Command Prompt and type in the following:
    bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot
    If that gives an error, use:bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safeboot
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 6
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #10

    2004 19041.450 is the Windows build info I was able to retrieve.
    The utilman part of the instructions has not worked so far. When I attempt to rename the utliman.exe file using "ren utilman.exe utilman.exe.bak" syntax from within the windows\system32 directory, I get a message "the system cannot find message text for message number 0x234d in the message file Application".

    Back to reading

    Andy

    - - - Updated - - -

    Thanks !!!!
    Even though I could not change things via the utilman process I was offered a system restore option that , after booting from the USB boot disc , did NOT require a password. System was restored to a few days ago and when complete I was able to use my PIN number.
    Andy
      My Computer


 

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